Birkbeck, University of London

Overview

Birkbeck are proud of being in the top 350 research-intensive universities in the world. Most international students choose to study with Birkbeck because of their reputation for being a world-class research and teaching institution based in central London.

Birkbeck award globally recognised University of London qualifications – a mark of quality and excellence. Graduates and staff of the University of London include 74 Nobel Laureates, 52 presidents and prime ministers, and numerous international luminaries. Birkbeck joined the University of London 100 years ago and, in 2023, will celebrate 200 years of providing higher Education.  

Students from over 120 countries study at the University, so you’ll find yourself surrounded by committed enthusiastic students from all backgrounds, careers and cultures, ages from 18 to 80 plus. Unique evening teaching means that you can study alongside London’s working professionals and pursue internship or part-time work opportunities during the day. This will not only help you finance your studies, but also means you can explore job opportunities and enhance your career prospects. You can take advantage of a professional recruitment service, Talent, which works with some of the UK’s top employers to help Birkbeck students find relevant work experience and get ahead in a competitive job market.

Services for International Students

Birkbeck, University of London organises a number of orientation events for international students, ranging from college-wide to department specific. The general International Orientation Week runs for the first week of each year and features talks on study skills and trips around London. Pre-entry preparation and post-induction and support programmes are also available.

Ranking

In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, 73% of Birkbeck research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Half of Birkbeck’s submissions were placed in the top 20 nationally, with Psychological Sciences fifth in the UK, Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences 6th and Biological Sciences 11th. In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, Birkbeck is ranked 332nd in the world. 

By subject, the University are ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide in English and Philosophy, and in the top 200 in History, Psychology, and Arts and Humanities. In the 2019 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Birkbeck is in the top 350 of more than a thousand leading universities. For international outlook, the University are ranked in the top 10% of listed universities, based on overseas staff, students and research collaborations.

Accommodation

International students beneficiate from a guaranteed scheme in the allocation of rooms in halls of residence. Most halls are located in Bloomsbury, minutes away from the college and offer a large range of options from catered to self-catered studio. 

Should you prefer to live in private rented accommodation in London you will be have free access to the University of London’s professional Housing Service, which can help you find the best type of accommodation for you. To find out more, visit bbk.ac.uk/accommodation.

Location

There is nowhere better to study than London. The main campus is in Bloomsbury, central London, a bustling, student-centred area that’s home to a number of universities and colleges of the University of London. The University have their own cafés, coffee shops and a bar, as well as an award-winning cinema at 43 Gordon Square which offers free screenings.

Birkbeck is also situated in one of the world’s greatest concentrations of libraries – including the British Library and Senate House Library – and they have their own richly resourced, newly refurbished library as well. World-famous museums，including the British Museum and the National Gallery, are also close by, whilst The West End, Soho, Covent Garden and King’s Cross are on Birkbeck's doorstep, so you can take full advantage of London’s world famous shops, restaurants, bars, theatres and clubs. Everything that London has to offer is here for you to enjoy.

Most teaching takes place at the main campus in Bloomsbury, but some programmes are offered at the University Square campus in Stratford East London, an innovative and energetic hub for entrepreneurs and creatives. Both campuses offer excellent facilities, transport links and support services.